How Rotary District 5180 Came Into Being

As District Governor of 5190 for the 1994/1995 year, one of the goals was to divide the District into 5190 and 5180.   Three outstanding P.D.G.s, Tom Harris and Charles (Chick) Alexander and Jerry Hall were instrumental in working with Rotary International (R.I.) until the proposal was approved.  The process was sensitive and complicated and the clubs were concerned about the outcome. 

              The concept, planning, and process began in 1994 during past PDG Jerry Hall’s year.  Two previous attempts to divide the district failed, one in 1988 and one in 1990.  We made two proposals to Rotary International.  The first proposal was to divide the district along the West slope of the Sierra Nevada’s.  This proposal was rejected by Rotary International.  The second proposal was to divide the district basically along the start of the Sierra Foothills on the west.  The line was east of the Oroville, Marysville, El Dorado Hills and Ione clubs (Ione was later ceded to 5190).  This would comprise the new 5180 Rotary district.  There were 34 clubs and approximately 2200+ Rotarians in 5180.  The rest on the clubs stayed in 5190.

            This second proposal was conditionally approved by Rotary International with the following conditions. 

1.      Charter three more clubs in proposed 5180 by January 1995.

2.      Contact District 5160 and 5220 to see if they would cede any clubs to the new 5180.

3.      The Club Presidents of 5190 vote to approve the division within 45 days.

The District went to work and successfully chartered Oroville Sunrise, Auburn Daybreak, Natomas and Carson City Sunrise which satisfied Rotary International.  The adjoining Districts did not want to cede any clubs to the new 5180.  The clubs voted to approve the division, so 5180 was started.

During the 1994/1995 year part of my job as Governor was to promote the division and start 5180 as I visited all 79 clubs.  I had many discussions and gave many explanations about the upcoming division during the club visits. I covered the division process with the various clubs at their management meetings.  Two D.G.N.s were nominated. 5180 nominated Rod Ritchie and 5190 nominated George Ticknor.  They were included in the budget, and they were doing the planning and organizing to start the two realigned districts. 

            P.D.G. Tom Harris, P.D.G. Charles Alexander and P.D.G. Jerry Hall (who later became P.R.I.D.) worked tirelessly to realize the division of 5190.  It was an exciting year for me as Governor. The new 5180 was finally established.

Respectfully Submitted,

Gordon L. Bordsen

Past District

Governor 1994/1995